Open Internet Ruling: No Change for Consumers’ Ability to Access and Use the Internet

Verizon Reiterates Commitment to Open Internet

WASHINGTON – The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today issued its decision in Verizon vs. FCC. The following statement should be attributed to Randal Milch, Verizon’s executive vice president, public policy, and general counsel:

“Earlier today, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals issued its much-anticipated decision in Verizon vs. FCC. The court rejected Verizon’s position that Congress did not give the Federal Communications Commission jurisdiction over broadband access. At the same time, the court found that the FCC could not impose last century’s common carriage requirements on the Internet, and struck down rules that limited the ability of broadband providers to offer new and innovative services to their customers. The court upheld the commission’s disclosure rules.

“One thing is for sure: Today’s decision will not change consumers’ ability to access and use the Internet as they do now. The court’s decision will allow more room for innovation, and consumers will have more choices to determine for themselves how they access and experience the Internet. Verizon has been and remains committed to the open Internet, which provides consumers with competitive choices and unblocked access to lawful websites and content when, where and how they want. This will not change in light of the court’s decision.

“We look forward to working with the FCC and Congress to keep the Internet a hub of innovation without the need for unnecessary new regulations that seek to manage the explosive dynamism of the Internet.”

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America’s most reliable wireless network, with more than 101 million retail connections nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America’s most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries. A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 178,300. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.